A Spanish newspaper, La Razón, has reported that messages are being circulated among the Moroccan community in Spain, urging them to vote for Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez and his Socialist Workers' Party (PSOE) in the upcoming early legislative elections on November 29. The messages, which are being shared on WhatsApp groups and in some mosques and associations, reportedly express gratitude for Sánchez's recent decision to regularize the status of over 800,000 irregular migrants in Spain.
The decision, which was made by Sánchez's government, has been widely welcomed by Moroccan immigrants in Spain, many of whom have been living in the country without documentation for years. According to La Razón, the messages being circulated among the Moroccan community make it clear that Sánchez is seen as a champion of their interests, and that they feel a sense of obligation to support him in the elections.
The report by La Razón has sparked controversy in Spain, with some politicians and media outlets expressing concern that the Moroccan community may be influencing the outcome of the elections. Santiago Abascal, leader of the far-right Vox party, has described Sánchez as the "Moroccan candidate in Spain" and urged Spaniards to be vigilant.
However, not all media outlets agree that the Moroccan community's support for Sánchez is a significant factor in the elections. Some have pointed out that the newly regularized migrants do not have the right to vote in the general elections, as only Spanish citizens are eligible to do so.
Despite this, La Razón claims that the real debate is not about the newly regularized migrants, but about the Moroccan community that has already been naturalized as Spanish citizens. This community is estimated to number over 300,000 people, and could potentially swing the vote in cities such as Barcelona, Madrid, and Bilbao.
The Spanish government has not officially commented on the allegations made by La Razón, but has insisted that the decision to regularize the migrants was made on humanitarian and human rights grounds, and not for electoral purposes. The government has also emphasized that the move is aimed at bringing hundreds of thousands of people out of the informal economy.
The controversy highlights the complex and often contentious nature of immigration politics in Spain. With the elections approaching, it remains to be seen how the issue will play out, and what impact it will have on the outcome of the vote.
Key points
- The Spanish government has regularized the status of over 800,000 irregular migrants, including many Moroccans.
- Some politicians and media outlets have expressed concern that the Moroccan community may be influencing the outcome of the elections.
- The Moroccan community in Spain is estimated to number over 300,000 naturalized citizens, who could potentially swing the vote in key cities.
